RED-TAILED TROPICBIRD

Photographed on Norfolk Island January 2016

 748                RED-TAILED TROPICBIRD             Phaethon rubicauda

Australia             (591)

Also known as the Red-tailed Bosunbird. Found on tropical seas, islands, coasts; seldom near land except at nesting sites. 86 cm, incl tail 40 cm; wingspan c. 1 m. Range: in e. Aust. breeds Raine Is (Coral Sea); Herald Cays and Coringa Inlets, Gt Barrier reef; Lord Howe and Norfolk Is. and widely through Pacific Ocean; also Cocos Keeling Is., Christmas Island and Ashmore Reef (Indian Ocean). In s WA small colony persists Sugarloaf Rock. Dispersive.

Young still in nest